The mini lobster fishing season in Florida started this Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. and will run until midnight on Thursday, July 30, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The event draws thousands of fishermen, divers, and boaters each year to the waters of the southern state, particularly in Miami-Dade, the Florida Keys, and Monroe County.
The sports capture window closes at 11:59 PM on Thursday, July 30.
The regular season for fishing spiny lobster will begin on August 6, 2026 and will run until March 31, 2027.
Catch limits by area
In Monroe County and Biscayne National Park, the limit is six lobsters per person per day; in the rest of Florida's waters, 12 are allowed.
Starting this Wednesday, one can only possess outside of the water the equivalent of a one-day limit.
On Thursday, up to double the daily limit is allowed, as long as the catches have been made legally on both days.
The limits apply only to those who are actively fishing with the required licenses.
The quota for children, passengers, or other individuals not participating in the catch cannot be used.
Minimum size and how to measure
Each lobster must be measured while it is still in the water.
The shell must measure over three inches (7.62 cm), measured from the front edge between the horns to the rear edge, excluding the tail.
Specimens that do not reach that size must be released immediately.
Key prohibitions
According to Telemundo 51, violations are considered criminal offenses in Florida and may result in imprisonment.
The main prohibitions are:
- Separate the tail from the body in state waters.
- Capture females with attached eggs.
- Use tools that pierce or damage the shell.
- Conduct night diving in Monroe County during the event.
Fishing is also prohibited year-round in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and the exclusion zones of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Licenses and permits
To participate legally, two documents are required: a saltwater recreational fishing license and a specific lobster permit.
The lobster permit costs five dollars for one year, for residents.
The annual saltwater license costs $17 for residents and $47 for non-residents. Both can be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at myfwc.com.
Water safety
In recent days, the Coast Guard issued warnings ahead of the mini-season regarding the most common risks.
Scott Szczepaniak, a nautical safety specialist from the Southeast District, noted that "one of the most common ways we've seen people get injured is through collisions with other vessels, bridges, or the seabed."
Erika Benítez, spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Fire Department, stressed the importance of not diving alone: "Always dive with another person, never do it alone."
According to data from Divers Alert Network (DAN), the mini-season has recorded an average of two deaths per season over the past decade.
Pete Sanchez from the Miami Fire Department concluded with a practical tip: “Before heading out to sea, it’s important to hydrate with plenty of water. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats, and keep an eye on children and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable.”
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